it sounds like an interesting idea, however unfortunately it will not be possible in App Inventor with available blocks, but you probably could write an extension to do it.
more information about how to create an extension see the App Inventor Extensions document however that will be more advanced and will require some Java skills...
Below please find an answer from Gemini
Taifun
Yes, it's possible to develop an Android app that slows the speed of social media scrolling, although it usually works by intercepting or managing your interactions rather than natively changing the social media app's code. These types of apps are commonly known as "anti-doomscrolling" or "digital well-being" tools.
The primary way this is achieved on Android is through the use of Accessibility Services.
How an Android App Could Slow Scrolling
An Android app cannot directly modify the internal scrolling mechanics of another, independent social media application (like Instagram or Twitter), as this would be a major security and privacy risk. Instead, it must rely on system-level permissions and features:
1. Using Accessibility Services
This is the most likely and effective method. Accessibility Services are powerful system features on Android designed to assist users with disabilities by providing alternative interaction methods and screen content feedback.
- Gesture Simulation: An app with accessibility permissions can detect when a user initiates a scroll action (a swipe/fling) and then override or interfere with that action.
- It could replace a fast, long "fling" gesture with a series of very small, slow, controlled scroll commands, effectively simulating a much slower manual scroll than the user intended.
- It could limit the number of pixels scrolled per second, regardless of how fast the user flicks their finger.
- Action Blocking/Limiting: The service can monitor the currently visible screen content. Some apps use this to prevent infinite scrolling by detecting specific elements (like a "Reels" or "Shorts" video player) and then blocking the ability to scroll past them for a set time or until the user performs a specific action.
- Floating Widget/Overlay: Some apps use an overlay that appears when a social media app is open, allowing users to manually engage a slow-scroll function or simply reminding them to be mindful.
2. Auto-Scroll/Pacing Features
Some apps focus on automated, paced scrolling rather than slowing down manual input:
- Timed Auto-Scroll: An app can be built to continuously scroll at a slow, fixed pace (like a teleprompter) that is comfortable for reading, essentially removing the user's manual control over the speed once activated. This is a feature of some general auto-scrolling utility apps.
Key Development Considerations
- Accessibility Permission: The app would require the user to manually grant it Accessibility Service permission in the Android settings, as this is a high-privilege permission.
- App Identification: The app needs to be able to tell when a social media app is in the foreground so it can apply its scroll modifications only to those apps.
- System Changes: Lower-level Android settings, like the
Window, Transition, and Animator scale options in Developer Options, can also slow down all system animations, which can make all scrolling feel slower, though this is a less targeted approach.
The video below discusses the wheel scrolling speed in Android, which relates to the responsiveness when using an external mouse, and touches upon how scrolling is implemented in an app.
What Is Wheel Scrolling Speed In Android?
This video is relevant because it discusses the general concept of scrolling speed and control within the Android operating system, which is the foundation an app would need to manipulate.
http://googleusercontent.com/youtube_content/0